Author Topic: Rig advice! (Read 166 times)

robinc · « **on:** October 28, 2008, 12:04:53 AM »

I'm considering picking up the following rig from a local. Anyone have experience with any of these components? Anything I should know about?

Ampeg SVT 400T rack mount head
SGX ART Knightbass effects processor
Furman power conditioner
18-space SKG rack
Ampeg 4x10 & 1x15

What might be a reasonable offer? Rig is said to be in great condition.

Thanks for the help, ya'll!

poor_nigel · « **Reply #1 on:** October 28, 2008, 03:04:56 AM »

If the SVT takes up 4 units (Six units?), that would leave 12 or 14 open. Even I do not use an 18 space rack unit for a bass rig. I used to use 18 spaces, but that was two racks, and it was old tech. Unless you are going to rack in lots of power amps, effects, preamps, and PA gear, it is just too large and clumsy for your needs. If you could fill it, then it is almost a given that you could not lift it, even with kind of light stuff in it, and I know that SVT will have some weight to it.
Old 6 and 12 Space Racks: http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/13368.html?1165501171
There is a picture almost at the end of the thread on the racks themselves.

Furman makes a lot of different models for a lot of different prices. Which model?

I'm an Eden pill, so I know little about the rest.

>>

(Message edited by poor_nigel on October 28, 2008)

robinc · « **Reply #2 on:** October 28, 2008, 08:09:44 AM »

robinc · « **Reply #3 on:** October 28, 2008, 08:13:10 AM »

sorry, should have specified that all components are mounted.

2400wattman · « **Reply #4 on:** October 28, 2008, 09:19:26 AM »

I would put my hard earned dollars into something else, unless you really like this stuff.
The Ampeg is probably just under 20 years old and hit it's reliability peak long long ago. I believe the specs are 400 watts per side at 4ohms and should be Bi-ampabale.
The ART unit has decent effects but I seem to recall that it can't be patched through the effects loop and can only be used as a preamp.

cozmik_cowboy · « **Reply #5 on:** October 28, 2008, 09:44:46 AM »

If that's the rack you're looking at, Robin, it's 8 spaces, not 18. Much more practical.

Peter

poor_nigel · « **Reply #6 on:** October 28, 2008, 11:51:25 AM »

That is a nice Furman. I cannot tell if it is a 15 amp or 20 amp one (Significant price difference between the two). I prefer the digit readout, but these are good for a glance. Get the model number, go to eBay and type in Furman into a search box and eBay will let you know the relative worth of new and used (If any used are available). Actually, you can pretty much do the same for any component and add it up. What something is worth to me is probably worth a different amount to you.

robinc · « **Reply #7 on:** October 28, 2008, 12:47:17 PM »

I'll be honest, I am not knowledgeable when it comes to equipment as I have simply not had very much experience with very much gear. I've been basing what I (think I might) like or dislike mainly on user reviews and advice from places like this forum. Your advice is invaluable! thanks, everyone, for your input.

poor_nigel · « **Reply #8 on:** October 28, 2008, 02:56:38 PM »

Well, at least we aren't trying to sell you anything, so honest opinions are prevalent on here. I live in the wasteland, so I get to try out nothing before I buy it. Well, unless I am looking for Fender stuff made in Mexico. What few musicians there are around here buy those to play both their Country and their Western music with. OK, OK, I have played a little C&W myself, but don't publicize it . . . Generally, whenever I want someone's opinion on bass gear, I ask people here. Works for me.

briant · « **Reply #9 on:** October 28, 2008, 06:49:33 PM »

Depending on what Ampeg cabs those are $1000 USD wouldn't be bad for all that.

Personally I would pass. Nothing even remotely exciting going on with any of that gear. The Art Nightbass was a very ho-hum effects processor even in its time. That Ampeg head was alright from what I recall but it is going on ~20 years old and there are much better and more reliable pieces of gear to be had now.

bsee · « **Reply #10 on:** October 28, 2008, 07:06:14 PM »

Sounds like a bad idea to me unless he's giving it away. That ART is digital technology from what, 15 years ago? Solid state Ampeg stuff has never been high on my list for tone, new or old.

Tell us what you want to spend and what you want to sound like and someone here probably has the experience to point you in the right direction.

LMiwa · « **Reply #11 on:** October 29, 2008, 07:36:22 AM »

Also, what type of playing you are planning to do with it? What style of music, what venues, what instruments others in your group will be playing, etc. All these things have a part in choosing the right rig. The right rig ranges from Jimmy Johnson's direct box plugged into the PA, to huge multi-amp / multi-cab systems.

robinc · « **Reply #12 on:** October 29, 2008, 01:33:51 PM »

Ok, this might not be too helpful because I tend to want the versatility to play anything, but here goes...

Right now I'm playing in a 6-man setup, 3 guitars, drums, vocals, bass. And sometimes possibly some horns too. We play an array of styles, from reggae to funk to blues to rock. So I suppose I am looking for something that can give me that tight, articulate and somewhat growly funk tone, and also be able to deliver a solid low-end thud of reggae bass, and the strong yet not overdriven rock sound, and of course be capable of a very clear, very up-righty tone. I play music ranging from Bob Marly to The Chili Peppers to the Grateful Dead to The Meters to The Beatles. That wasn't helpful at all, was it?

I would like the rig to be able to cut through said setup on its own in a small to medium sized venue, like a club for example. I'm not too worried about larger venues like a park or auditorium because I will probably have access to stage monitors.

In terms of price, I'd love to not spend more than about $1500, but investing in good equipment is always worth while, so that upper limit has potential to move.

I don't much care about effects or fancy extras, what I'm really interested in is a nice amp with some sturdy cabs, and maybe a power conditioner if that happens to be part of the deal.

LMiwa · « **Reply #13 on:** October 29, 2008, 02:54:09 PM »

Have you checked this thread?

http://club.alembic.com/Images/395/56763.html?1225304168

poor_nigel · « **Reply #14 on:** October 29, 2008, 03:36:35 PM »

I was just going to suggest Danno's thread. You know Alembic (F1X) is quality, plus Accugroove is very good stuff, and the QSC Plx3402 is now defunct (Replaced by the Plx2 series 3602), but still quality stuff with enough power to drive any cabs you want. Those three pieces are all good foundation stuff, and Danno's prices seemed very good last time I was checking his stuff out. So you may want to research those pieces and then discuss it with Danno, if you like what you see.